bountiful hobo packs

 

I used to have the privilege to review some amazing Gooseberry Patch cookbooks with the help of my handsome husband and taste-tester.  I instantly fell in love with one of them because it's so different!

  
Grilling and Campfire Cooking - doesn't that sound awesome?!  I was a little nervous when Gooseberry Patch first asked me to review this cookbook because we actually don't own a grill and have no plans to go camping anytime soon (that's life with small children).  Turns out, that stuff doesn't matter.  This cookbook is perfect for folks who like to grill and camp, but it's also great for those of us who don't.  Just about all of the recipes are easily made in the oven or on a counter-top grill.

I love the wide variety of recipes.  I've found recipes for buns, side dishes, salads, and even desserts!  I've tagged several, including Sizzling Bacon Asparagus, the Grilled Pepperoni Log, Georgia Peach Smoked Chops, and Buffalo Chicken Pizza Pockets.  The Homemade Burger Buns looked so easy and delicious, and I'm especially excited about Tina's All-Star Sliders on Cornbread Buns.

We're looking forward to trying the Blackberry Skillet Pancake, Pan-Fried Corn Fritters, Rosemary Vegetable Medley, and Barbecued Beef Brisket this summer.  You can bet I'll be trying the Tangy Apple BBQ Sauce and Ranch Cornbread Salad.  And, oh my goodness, the desserts!  I can't wait to try the Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler, Chocolate Burritos, and Butter Pecan Ice Cream!

But for the task at hand...

Bountiful Hobo Packs

These hobo packs are chock-full of a HUGE variety of meat and veggies!  I used my biggest cast-iron dutch oven, and I still couldn't get all of the ingredients to fit.  I ended up having to use two!  It was a simple meal, but it was so good that we were glad we had leftovers. 

I can't tell you how much I loved this!  If you don't like any of the veggies in there, just leave it out or replace it with something different.  It's completely versatile and delicious no matter how you do it!

Bountiful Hobo Packs

• 2 lbs. ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 green pepper, cubed
• 2 potatoes, peeled and sliced
• 1 bunch broccoli, cut into bite-size flowerets
• 8 carrots, sliced, or 1 lb. baby carrots
• 1 to 2 zucchini, sliced
• 3 ears sweet corn, husked and each broken into 3 pieces
• 1 head cabbage, cut into chunks
• 5 tomatoes, cubed
• 1 t. seasoned salt
• 1/2 t. pepper
• Optional: 1/2 t. garlic powder
• 1/2 cup butter, sliced

Spray eight 18-inch lengths of heavy-duty aluminum foil or a large disposable aluminum baking pan with non-stick vegetable spray.  Break up uncooked beef; divide among foil pieces or place in pan.  Layer with vegetables.  Add seasonings to taste; top with pats of butter.  Wrap tightly if making individual packs, or cover pan tightly with aluminum foil.  Grill over medium heat, or bake at 350 degrees, for 1-1/2 hours.  Serves 8.

My note: As mentioned above, I actually layered everything into two cast iron dutch ovens, covered, and baked in the oven.  It was perfect!